Michel Barnier, acting Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “Digital skills are the new literacy: they are essential for employability. I am concerned that the lack of e-skills may be hindering growth in the tech sector and, as a consequence, European innovation and competitiveness. Today's decision to launch the e-Skills for Jobs campaign is an important step to help prepare young people for the jobs of today and tomorrow."

Demand for jobs requiring digital skills is growing rapidly – and likely to create a skills shortage that may leave up to one million positions vacant by 2020 in Europe.

The Commission has identified ICT as one of three employment growth areas and to raise awareness on e-skills the Commission launches the “e-Skills for Jobs” campaign together with the Hellenic Presidency of the EU's Council of Ministers.

A recent study (7 MB) tells us that by 2020, the number of ICT management, architecture and analysis jobs will grow by 44% compared to 2011.

The Greek Government and ICT industry establish the Greek National Coalition for the Digital Economy, similar to the EU's established Grand Coalition for Digital Jobs, aimed at supporting Europe's future entrepreneurs.

Michel Barnier, acting Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “Digital skills are the new literacy: they are essential for employability. I am concerned that the lack of e-skills may be hindering growth in the tech sector and, as a consequence, European innovation and competitiveness. Today's decision to launch the e-Skills for Jobs campaign is an important step to help prepare young people for the jobs of today and tomorrow."